Manic Depression

Also known as:  Bipolar Depression;  Bipolar Disorder;  Bipolar Manic Depression;  Cyclothymia;  Manic-Depressive Illness;  Manic-Depressive Psychosis;  MDP

Manic Depression is a severe type of Primary Depression characterized by repeated episodes of Depression alternating with Mania - either Full Blown Mania or Hypomania.  The sufferer is usually mentally healthy during the intervals between Manic Depression attacks.

 Manic Depression afflicts 1% - 2% of the world's population.

 There is a genetically inherited predisposition to Manic Depression.

Amino Acids

 Cysteine may alleviate some cases of Manic Depression (presumably due to its role as a precursor for the endogenous production of Glutathione).  ^[1]

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may reduce Depression in Manic Depression patients.  ^[2]

 Phenylalanine (in dosages of up to 4,000 mg per day) may alleviate many (approximately 75% of) cases of Manic Depression.  ^[3]

 Tryptophan may alleviate Manic Depression and is beneficial when suicidal tendencies exist in Manic Depression patients:  ^[4]

 Tryptophan (9,000 mg per day) potentiates the beneficial effects of Lithium in the treatment of Manic Depression.

Hormones

 DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) (30 - 90 mg per day) may alleviate the Depression phase of Manic Depression.  ^[5]

 Pregnenolone is speculated to be useful for the treatment of Manic Depression (during both the Manic and Depression phases).  ^[6]